Saturday, April 5, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 5, 2025.

JOHNSTON, Elizabeth “Lis” ELIZABETH “LIS” ANNE KIRKPATRICK JOHNSTONE 1942 – 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, neighbor and friend. Elizabeth “Lis” Johnstone passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the age of 82 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-5:00 PM, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 1404 4 Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
If you so wish donations to Lethbridge Humane Society, http://lethbridgehumanesociety.com/ would be gratefully received.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BRINDLEY, Margaret BRINDLEY, Margaret Patricia March 17, 1928 – March 25, 2025 Pat Brindley, our beloved matriarch, died peacefully a week after her 97th birthday in Calgary, AB.
Born Margaret Patricia LaRose in Battleford, SK, in 1928, she lost her mother, Mary Sophia Whitford, at the age of eight years, but did her best to care for her younger siblings until her father, Remy LaRose, remarried. Though life was difficult in the Depression years, Pat learned to be independent and resourceful, taking her first job in the summer of 1939 when she was eleven. She attended Eagle Valley School then St. Vital’s School in Battleford, and St. Patrick’s School when the family moved to Lethbridge in 1942. Pat left school and home early, working at Eaton’s until she married James Dennis Brindley in 1947. She became an exemplary farming partner with Dennis, managing the household and caring for their children as well as working in the fields, supervising harvest crews, and welcoming with home-baked treats or a meal, everyone who arrived at their door.
During the 1960s, after finishing her high school diploma and nurse’s aide training, she began working full-time at Southland Nursing Home, a new progressive senior’s residence. There, as Activities Coordinator, she developed innovative programs, including music for residents with dementia, cabarets, fashion shows, concerts, and gardening. She did much to engage the residents as well as inspire staff and community involvement. During this time Pat and Dennis divorced and she left the farm for Lethbridge where she purchased and renovated a home for herself and her youngest child Elaine. Pat continued her education and began working in senior home care in the County of Barons. In 1984, she moved to Edmonton where she worked in urban home care with a wide variety of clients with complex needs.
Pat was very active in the Unitarian Church in Edmonton and joined their travel club as well as taking up cross-country skiing, hiking, and golfing. She enjoyed a wide circle of friends and was an enthusiastic volunteer, particularly in the arts. Once retired, Pat travelled extensively, starting with a European tour but it was on a group camping trip in the Australian outback that she met the love of her life, Les Pritchard, who lived in England. They spent over 30 years together enjoying staying at each other’s homes in England and Canada and travelling the world together. In 1996, Pat moved to Calgary to a home that overlooks the Bow River Valley and downtown. Pat became an active member of the Bow Cliff Seniors’ Centre, participating in numerous activities, making close friends, and volunteering in many capacities including writing a history of the Centre and serving on the Board of Directors. Pat was a feminist, social justice activist, a keen follower of news and politics, and volunteered for both the Liberals and NDP in a number of election campaigns. She was a lifelong learner, constantly adapting to new circumstances. She listened thoughtfully to others and generously shared her skills and knowledge in both her personal and professional life. She made a positive difference to many people and was loved and admired for her honesty, wisdom, and sense of humour. She was a voracious reader and was working her way through Murray Sinclair’s “Who We Are” at the time of her passing. She stayed funny and feisty to the end.
Above all, Pat cared about family. Her parents’ roots stretched through historical Métis communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and in 2016, she became a Citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
She was predeceased by her beloved Les, and her siblings, Ramy LaRose (Angie) and Eleanor Kehler (Abe).
She is survived by her four children, Brian (Liz), Bonita (Paul), Jane (Ross), and Elaine (Rod); her grandchildren, Ben (Jessica), James (Tara), Emily (Leon), Paolo, and Anna; and her great-grandchildren, Desmond, Teija, Mason, and Austin. Pat is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children with whom she loved to stay in touch. She was a proud and loving mother, auntie, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a role model, and true matriarch. She leaves a strong and beautiful legacy.
There will be no formal service. At her request, her ashes will be placed with Les’ in a penthouse crypt overlooking the Old Man River valley in the Mountainview Cemetery in Lethbridge.
If so desired, donations may be sent directly to one of the following charities: The Mustard Seed, 102-11 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0X5, (403) 269-1319, HYPERLINK “http://www.theseed.ca”www.theseed.ca, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1200. Box 2414, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E4, 1-888-473-4636, http://www.heartandstroke.ca, or to Bow Cliff Seniors, 3375 Spruce Drive S.W., Calgary, AB, T3C 3A3, E-transfer to: info@bowcliffseniors.org.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Pat’s family at http://www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of Pat Brindley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

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TAJIRI, June TAJIRI, June (nee Okahashi) January 9, 1931 – March 28, 2025 June Tajiri passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the age of 94 years.
June was predeceased by her husband, Tetsu Horsey Tajiri; her father, Masuzo Okahashi and her mother, Kikue Okano; her brothers, George and Charlie; her sisters, Nancy Leong, Lily Yamashita, Merry Sameshima, and Reiko Takeyasu; and her son-in-law Donald Dodds.
June is survived by her children, Bob Tajiri (Taylore Sinclaire) of Calgary, AB, Brenda (Randy) McMullen of Red Deer, AB, and Darlene Dodds (Scott Wilkinson) of Calgary, AB; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers and Koden, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Buddhist Temple (658 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3Y1) Telephone: 403-263-5723, http://www.calgary-buddhist.ab.ca, E-Transfer: calgarybuddhisttemple@gmail.com
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with June’s family at http://www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of June Tajiri, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

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HARKER, Warren “Randy” Warren LeRand “Randy” Harker May 25, 1954 – March 28, 2025 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Warren LeRand “Randy” Harker on March 28, 2025. Randy passed away peacefully in the Red Deer Regional Hospital with his sister, Cheryl, by his side.
Born on May 25, 1954, to Warren and Francis (née Myers) Harker, Randy spent his early years in Hill Spring, Alberta, before moving to Cardston when he was nine years old. Randy was a spirited child, full of energy, adventure, and just the right amount of mischief. Randy’s quick wit and playful nature made him a natural troublemaker, but his charm and infectious laughter ensured he was never in too much hot water. He carried this mischievous streak with him throughout his life, always bringing laughter and fun wherever he went.
After high school, Randy moved to Lethbridge where he attended Lethbridge Community College to become a butcher. He worked at Canadian Dressed Meats for many years before taking on odd jobs and eventually working for the City of Lethbridge Waste Management Services until his retirement.
While living in Lethbridge, he met and married Daryl-Lynn Thingvold. Together, they had three wonderful sons: Dason, Daris, and Davin. Although life took them all in separate directions, Randy was a proud father and grandfather, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family.
Randy was an avid athlete, with baseball being his greatest passion. He played on many teams, and with the Lethbridge Senior Men’s League for many years until he finally retired at the age of 65, reluctantly admitting he was getting too old. One of his greatest accomplishments was being involved with building Softball Valley ball diamonds in Lethbridge. After stepping away from baseball, Randy found solace in nature, spending summers camping and fishing at Shaw’s Point at Slave Lake with his oldest brother, Ron, and his family. Those peaceful moments by the water were some of his happiest times.
Recently, Randy reflected on the power of lifelong friendships as he was fortunate to grow up with such friends in his life, Perry and Paul Leishman, whom he often called his “crib mates.” Tragically, Paul passed away when they were just 21, but Perry remained a close friend throughout his life. Randy treasured those friendships, along with many others he made over the years.
Randy was predeceased by his parents, Warren and Francis (née Myers) Harker, and his brother Brent, who cared for him while he battled cancer. He leaves behind his three sons, Dason (Michelle) and their children Blake, Collin, Aubrey and Leah; Daris (Christa Teeple), Davin (Natasha) and their children Laila and Hunter. He also leaves behind his brother Ron (Marthe) and sister Cheryl (Paul) Carrier and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Randy was surrounded by love as he came to Red Deer in February so that his sister, Cheryl, could help take care of him. She gave selflessly of her time to ensure that he received the best medical care right up to the end. During these final weeks, he was fortunate to be able to spend time with Cheryl and her family, his boys, their wives and all of his grandchildren, his oldest brother and sister-in-law, and many of his nieces, and nephews. He left this world knowing how much he was loved. Randy’s humor, kindness, and passion for life will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In honoring Randy’s wishes, there will be no public memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating toward The Lending Cupboard Society of Alberta as they were a valuable support in the last month of Randy’s life.
The Lending Cupboard Society of Alberta, #1-7803 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4P 1M8, https://www.lendingcupboard.ca/.
Condolences to Randy’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Randy Harker” in the subject line. Arrangements in care of Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer. 587-876-4944.

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CRYING HEAD, Todd CRYING HEAD TODD BENJAMIN CRYING HEAD, passed away on March 27, 2025 in Calgary, AB at the age of 33 years. A Wake Service will be held at Levern Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, April 7 from 5:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Levern Hall, on Tuesday, April 8 at 12:00 pm. The interment will follow in Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve, AB.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

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ALLEN, Barry BARRY ALLEN 1944 – 2025 With broken hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Barry Allen, surrounded by his loving wife Rosemarie and her children.
Born in Lethbridge, Barry spent the majority of his life in the Baron’s area, proudly farming the Allen family homestead along with other land. Following graduation from Baron’s School, he attained his welding certificate and became a welder at many southern Alberta sites, including the Pincher Creek Gas Plant, Fort Macleod Hospital, and McCain Foods.
Barry was very active in his community. He served on the Baron’s School Board and was also instrumental in working with the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District to bring irrigation water rights to the Barons area farmers.
A very handy person, Barry enjoyed tinkering on many projects. He loved the outdoors, camping, snowmobiling, fishing, quadding, hunting and motocross racing. Barry also loved to dance: he and Rosemarie spent many memorable evenings old-time dancing together.
He is survived by his loving wife Rosemarie and her children Katherine and Kevin, as well as Rosemarie’s extended family; Barry’s children Brett (Shana) and JoDee Allen.
Barry was predeceased by his father Ernie; mother Enid (nee Taylor); brother Brian, and many other relatives.
At a later date, Barry will be set free in his favourite Dutch Creek area, alongside his beloved companions Duke and Bear.
We would like to thank the caregivers at St. Michael’s Health Centre, and all of those who have reached out to express their sympathies. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. Barry will always be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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ROUGEAU, Trenton “Trent” TRENTON JOEL ROUGEAU APRIL 15th, 1989 – MARCH 29th, 2025 “Those we love, don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.” With heavy hearts, the family of Trent Rougeau announce his passing on March 29th, 2025, after a long battle with alcohol addiction.
Trent is survived by his loving parents Sue & Joe Rougeau; sisters, Jordana Schmitz (Mark) and Micayla Wilson (Scott) and their daughter Keeley; grandfather Martial Rougeau (Carole); uncle Ted Rougeau (Diana) and their family; aunts Joan Lawrie, Deb Rougeau-Bell (Randy) and their family, Kathy Young (Perry) and their family.
He was predeceased by his grandpa Tom Lawrie; and grandmas Sheila Lawrie and Adele Rougeau.
Those who knew Trent will remember him for his cheerful smile, great sense of humor and willingness to lend a helping hand.
He was extremely proud to be an Electrical Engineer and loved the work. Trent was the families go to guy for home improvement projects. He was a perfectionist and liked everything to be symmetrical.
Trent excelled in any sport he tried, recently achieving 2 hole in ones on the golf course and flying like a gazelle on the pickleball court. His skill at trash talking opponents was particularly polished.
A Celebration of Trent’s Life will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at PARADISE CANYON GOLF RESORT, 185 Canyon Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta.
If you are able to attend, please RSVP to micayla.rougeau@gmail.com
For those who wish, donations can be made to “Fresh Start Recovery Lethbridge”, https://freshstartrecovery.ca/donate/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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STILL, Eudeanne STILL EUDEANNE MERLE JUDD STILL, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother passed away on April 2, 2025 at the age of 91.
Merle was born May 4, 1933 in Edmonton, AB. She was the eldest child of Charles and Grace Judd.
She is survived by her children Ray (Charmaine, Georgia) Still, Brenda (Rick) Benson, Darrel (Leila) Still, Deena (Larry) Bronemann, Roger (Kathy) Still, Vivian Richards, Daniel (Charla) Still, Sharon Kruchkywich, 43 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Elaine (Bob) Maslen.
She was predeceased by the love of her life, LaVern, her daughter Karen (Dan) Koller, granddaughter Valerie Still, grandson Dustin Richards and, although there really are no in-laws in our family, daughter-in-law Charmaine (Ray) Still and son-in-law Bob (Vivian) Richards.
The Funeral Service will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Raymond Stake Center, 2 N 200 W Raymond, AB at 11:00
a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Viewing 10:00 a.m.
To Watch the livestream or send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

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BECKER, Ronald RONALD “RON” BECKER 1927 ~ 2025 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ron Becker on March 31, 2025, at the age of 97.
Ron leaves behind his daughter Donna (Rob) Coleman; two daughters-in-law Ann and Janet Becker; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Ron also leaves behind his dear friend Joyce Crumley.
Ron was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Rita Becker and two sons, Gary and David Becker.
Ron lived a full life starting his career with the Taber School Division building and renovating schools in Taber and surrounding areas. He built two homes for his family in Taber. We moved to Lethbridge in 1966 when Ron accepted the position of Building Maintenance Supervisor at Lethbridge Junior College. He was a very dedicated employee even walking to check on the College in the April of 1967 snowstorm that brought the city to a standstill. Ron’s last project with the College was overseeing construction of the Centre Wing.
Before retiring from the College in 1986 and after retirement, Ron built another two houses. Ron was a jack of all trades and a very talented carpenter, always building something and helping friends and family with projects. Ron loved golf and was a member of the Henderson Lake Golf Course for 54 years.
Ron will be dearly missed by his family and all that new him.
A family service will be held at a later date to say goodbye to Ron.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SMOLNICKY, Mary MARY SMOLNICKY 1925 – 2025 It is with great sadness, and much love, that we announce the passing of Mary Smolnicky on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the age of 99 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, April 17, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery with reception to follow.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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CONNELLY, Sarah SARAH “SALLY” CONNELLY OCTOBER 21, 1940 ~ MARCH 28, 2025 She leaves behind to mourn her passing; husband Doug, daughter Dana, grandchildren; Liam (Tessa, Raeley and Henry), Quinlan and Justyn (Frankie). She will be missed by many dear family members, friends and lifelong neighbors.
A Memorial Service will take place at the Pincher Creek Community Hall on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Please join the family for luncheon following the Memorial Service.”
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

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BARTSOFF, Rose BARTSOFF ROSE MARIE BARTSOFF, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare, on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the age of 91 years.
Rose is survived by her children: MaryAnn Hintz, Russell (Kelley) Bartsoff, Larry (Mona) Bartsoff, Cathy (Randy) Forsyth and son-in-law Dick Williams; 14 grandchildren, 12 great- grandchildren and one great- great-grandchild; as well as her siblings, Darlene Wagstaff and Peter (Donna) Coppieters.
Many have gone before Rose; she was predeceased by her daughter Debbie Williams; parents, Peter and Mary Coppieters; siblings: Bill Coppieters, Ruby Dumanski, Jean Molnar, Gerry Kowalski, Pat Salmon and Mary Sharon Coppieters; and sons-in-law, Stan Myndio and Wayne Hintz.
Rose was born to Peter and Mary Coppieters on December 19, 1933 in Raymond. She was raised on the Milk River ridge and a life spent in southern Alberta. Rose raised her family, worked in the Alberta health system and loved to garden, quilt, sew and cook. She always had some fresh baking and homemade goodies whenever anyone stopped by; Spudnuts, flubs, cinnamon buns and her specialty, homemade chocolates. She taught these life skills to her children, grandchildren, friends and family. Anyone.
We would like to thank the Extendicare staff, the many doctors and nurses that have cared for her over the years.
A Celebration of Rose’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
Best wishes to all and God bless.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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HANNA, Betty BETTY HANNA July 16, 1933 – April 2, 2025 Elizabeth (Betty) Matilda OAKES was born in Innisfail, Alberta on July 16, 1933, to Fenwick and Janet OAKES. Betty was the third eldest of 10 children. Betty married Max Wendell HANNA on March 18, 1953, and they had 3 sons and 1 daughter. They farmed in the Armada / Lomond area of southern Alberta until 1963 when they moved to a farm west of Didsbury, Alberta. When Max retired from farming in 1973, they moved to Lethbridge, Alberta where Betty loved to travel, garden, and spend time with her family.
Betty and Max had 4 children: Bruce (Cathy) Hanna of Warner, AB, Karen (Danny Perrin) Hanna of Inglis, MB, Terry (Sylvia Oishi) Hanna of Lethbridge, AB, Doug (Cheryle) Hanna of Lethbridge, AB. Betty had 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Betty was predeceased by her husband Max of 61 years in 2014, her sisters Muriel (Chuck) Anderson, Marg (Al) McCashew, Cheryll (Lloyd Sereda) Oakes and her brother Bob (Faye) Oakes.
Betty is survived by her siblings Janet (Don) Whiteman of Swift Current SK, Georgina (Irvin) Bennett of Okotoks AB, Helen (Jack) Wieshlow of Calgary AB, Ted (Sharon) Oakes of High River, AB., Bill (Onalee) Oakes of Calgary, AB.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A special thank you to Robb Smith for his care and support of our mother and grandmother in her final years.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.csgfh.ca

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MURRAY, Wilda MURRAY It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother and grandmother, MRS. WILDA MURRAY, of Picture Butte, beloved wife of the late Mr. Charles Murray, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
A Remembrance Service will be held at TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, 528 Maple Crescent, Picture Butte, AB, on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Glenda Wert officiating.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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MILLER, Valerie “Val” MILLER VALERIE “VAL” MARGARET LYNNE MILLER, of Milk River, beloved wife of the late Gordon James Miller, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the age of 64 years.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street NW, Milk River, AB, on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Val will be laid to rest in the Milk River Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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LOEWEN, Rena LOEWEN RENA RUTH LOEWEN (née Slinn), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of 67 years to the late Arthur Loewen, passed away in Lethbridge on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Dr. Bruce Martin and Rev. Mark Archibald officiating. Those attending the Memorial Service are invited and encouraged to wear brightly coloured clothing in honour of Rena’s love of springtime flowers.
The Memorial Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Rena’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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